Ex-Cincinnatians Keep It Up
With local-boy-done-good Itaal Shur (or, as one friend calls him, "nude model turned millionaire!") winning a Grammy this year, we thought we'd peep you to a couple of other former Cincinnati heroes who've moved away but kept up their musical ways.
· Amazing Jazz bassist Chris Dahlgren (now New York City-based), who has swept back into town a couple of times with the touring Jazz Mandolin Project, has released his solo follow-up to '96's Slow Commotion. Best Intentions, on Koch Jazz, shows that Dahlgren's skills are hardly limited to his masterful ability on the bass. The arrangement and compositions skills on Intentions recall Charles Mingus' work, where inventive structuring and progressive ideas abound. Absolutely remarkable stuff.
· Fans of local legends CJSS wondering what band leader/guitar virtuoso David Chastain is up to will want to get their hands on the debut from Southern Gentlemen. Chastain, now Atlanta-based, has had success in the flashy guitar-solo world with his lightning style. But his new trio finds the guitarist also stepping up to the mic and capably handling lead vocal duties. The Gentlemen's sound takes on Southern Rock and Blues, but gives it a more progressive slant, in much the way Hendrix and Clapton reconstructed Blues in the '60s. Those gasping at the thought of Chastain toning down his guitar style need not worry: The group's debut, Exotic Dancer Blues, still boasts some pretty incredible guitar work. And those turned off by the classically-influenced, "weedle, weedle" style of some of Chastain's work may want to check out Southern Gentlemen anyway. Chastain's playing on the album is more subtle, but no less awe-inspiring.
For more info, check the band's label Web site at leviathanrecords.com.
Promising 'Foundations'
Folk/Pop duo The Dowlands have released an excellent collection of memorable songs, Foundations.
The band craftily uses elements of Rock, Folk and even Classical music on the album, but essentially, the group's success is due to some magnificent and original songwriting. Singer Andrea Rosenthal's vocals are a focal point, giving the songs their jubilant glaze, while guitarist Scott Bruce gracefully holds down the musical end with some unique acoustic playing (the songs also feature bass, drums and violin backing). While the song cycles are unique, the melodies manage to still give the songs an accessible, poppy edge which pulls you in and lets you then appreciate the ingenuity of the writing and playing.
The band will host their CD release party this Sunday at Cody's Cafe in Corryville starting at 6:30 p.m.
Rumors, Lies and General Misunderstandings
· This Tuesday, new band 16 Piece Bucket (gotta love the name) will debut at Top Cat's, with Holy Crap, V-Mob and touring acts Apartment 26 and Primer 55. The group features local musicians Rich Wasson, Chris Lee, Jason Knarr and Troy Bryant.
· Saturday local Funk/Fusion/Rock/Soul sensations Heavy Weather will have their show at BarrelHouse simulcast on Live City Licks on WAIF (88.3 FM). The broadcast begins around midnight.
· The Newport Arts and Music Festival is still taking submissions to participate in this summer's event. Send CD or cassette and other promo materials to Newport Arts and Music Festival, 998 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071 Attn: Band Submittals. For more info, check the Web site: www.cityofnewportky.org/mainst/namf.htm.
· The Greater Cincinnati Blues Society's Cincinnati Blues Challenge, held at the 20th Century Theatre on March 5, took in and spit out Noah and the Stratocats as its first place winners. The 'Cats win $500 and get a slot at Queen City Blues Fest in July, plus a slot at an international Blues fest in Memphis this winter. Sonny Hill and the Nightshift (who placed second), The Royal Blues and The Scotty Bratcher Band (who tied for third place) all win slots on the local summer Blues extravaganza.
· Maurice Mattei brings his crafty singer/songwriter stylings to the local club front over the next couple of weeks. On Friday, he'll play a St. Patrick's Day gig at Michael Wilson's photography studio (39 E. Court St., Downtown) with the Perkolaters. On March 24, Mattei will be at Newport's York Street Cafe with guests Ric Hickey and the Loose Wrecks.
